Program Focus Team Action Plan:
Rangeland Management
2014-2015
Situation:
Kansas is a prairie state noted for its native grasslands, streams and wetlands, abundant blue skies
and green grassland vistas. The native grasslands that exist throughout Kansas are one of the state’s
most important renewable natural resources. These grasslands help maintain the landscape and its
watersheds and aid in maintaining the water quality in our streams and lakes. Grassland habitats are
home to many of the state’s rich diversity of native plants and wildlife species. These landscapes also
provide scenic beauty, recreation, tourism, and contribute to cultural values.
Kansas grasslands are of prime economic importance to not only the state, but the entire nation.
The state nationally ranks 12th in acres of pasture and rangeland. Of North America's 140 million
presettlement tallgrass prairie acres, only 4% survives to this day and 80% is located in Kansas. Kansas
presently has about 15.8 million total acres of native grasslands or rangelands, 2.5 million acres of
pastureland, and at any given time, 3 to 6 million acres of annual forages. These grasslands are vital in
supporting the state’s largest agricultural commodity, beef cattle production. In 2009 cattle generated
$5.55 billion in cash receipts for the state.
For now and the future, Kansas grasslands encompass a host of rich natural resource opportunities
and provide an equal number of resource management challenges. Numerous natural resource issues
face our grassland managers which warrant the development and dissemination of sound researchbased information. To meet the evolving needs of these managers, it is essential to provide access to a
vast, rapidly expanding knowledge base to address topics such as invasive species, water quality,
ecology and biodiversity, climate, and other emerging issues.
Drought is a recurring issue in various parts of the state, with serious impacts on grassland health
and grazing profitability. Managers must consider the effects of drought on both the grassland
and livestock when implementing or adjusting plans for stocking rates and duration of grazing.
Owner/operators are in need of best management recommendations to sustain and/or enhance the
production of forages and livestock from this important resource. The goals of this program are to
provide an up-to-date, research based, education program in rangeland and pasture management to
meet information demands throughout Kansas. Key areas of emphasis include prescribed burning,
brush and weed control, and grazing management.
Outcomes:
Short-Term:
Target audiences will become aware of and increase their knowledge of both existing and emerging
issues related to grassland management. Participants will gain an understanding of:
•
brush and weed control options
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prescribed burning and smoke management
basic principles of grazing management
Identification of invasive plants
Medium-Term:
Stakeholders and participants will develop long-range strategic plans and implement best managemen
practices as they relate to the sustainable management of grasslands. Partnerships will be made amon
stakeholders to work collaboratively to alleviate and prevent environmental concerns throughout
Kansas.
Long-Term:
Target audiences will benefit from measurable improvements in existing natural resource concerns
and mitigation of emerging threats. Participants and their associated interests will become
economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Outputs:
Activities Phone calls, e-mails, Twitter, range youth camp, adult range management schools, noxious
weed shortcourse, pesticide recertification training, agent updates
Participants: youth and adults, noxious weed personnel, pesticide applicators, extension agents, agency
personnel, farmers/ranchers
Products: Radio/TV interviews, e-Updates, Tweets, extension publications
Plan Contacts:
• Fick, Walt - Associate Professor , Agronomy
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